MRI Training in Chicago: 24-Month MRI Technologist Program
Aquarius Institute provides MRI training for students from Chicago and the surrounding Chicagoland area at its Des Plaines, Illinois campus. The 24-month program combines 600 hours of classroom instruction with 1,000 hours of supervised clinical training.
Students learn MRI physics, anatomy, patient care, image production, equipment safety and clinical procedures. The program also includes Corsmed MRI simulation and preparation for the ARMRIT certification pathway.
Review the complete MRI Technologist Program to see the current curriculum, tuition, clinical requirements and program outcomes.
Prospective students can also review the Aquarius Institute admissions process or request program information before making an enrollment decision. Aquarius currently publishes a 24-month duration, 600 classroom hours and 1,000 clinical hours for its MRI program. (aquariusinstitute.com)
MRI Training in Chicago at a Glance
The program provides a structured route from classroom education to supervised MRI clinical experience.
Program detail | Current information |
Campus location | Des Plaines, Illinois |
Program duration | 24 months |
Classroom instruction | 600 clock hours |
Clinical training | 1,000 supervised hours |
Total classroom and clinical hours | 1,600 hours |
Classroom format | Evening classes |
Published class schedule | Two evenings per week, 6:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. |
Simulation platform | Corsmed MRI simulation |
Certification preparation | ARMRIT examination pathway |
Basic academic requirement | High school diploma or GED |
Minimum age | 18 years |
Published program cost | $27,650 |
Campus phone | (847) 296-8870 |
The Des Plaines campus is located at 1011 E. Touhy Avenue, Suite 335, near O’Hare International Airport. Aquarius also lists free on-site parking and access through nearby public transportation routes.
What Is MRI Technologist Training?
MRI technologist training teaches students how to prepare patients, follow magnetic safety procedures, operate MRI systems and produce diagnostic images for physician review.
Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnetic fields, radio-frequency energy and computer processing to create detailed images of structures inside the body. MRI technology uses non-ionizing energy rather than the ionizing radiation used in conventional X-ray imaging.
MRI technologists have both technical and patient-care responsibilities. Their duties may include:
- Reviewing imaging orders.
- Screening patients for implants or metallic objects.
- Explaining procedures to patients.
- Positioning patients and imaging coils.
- Selecting approved scanning protocols.
- Operating computerized MRI equipment.
- Evaluating image quality.
- Maintaining accurate patient records.
- Communicating with radiologists and healthcare teams.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes MRI technologists as professionals who operate MRI scanners to create diagnostic images. It also lists patient positioning, equipment operation and detailed recordkeeping among their common duties.
Where Is the Chicago-Area MRI Campus?
Aquarius Institute serves Chicago-area students from its campus in Des Plaines, Illinois.
The campus is not located within Chicago city limits. It is positioned northwest of Chicago near O’Hare International Airport.
Campus address:
Aquarius Institute
1011 E. Touhy Avenue, Suite 335
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: (847) 296-8870
The location may be practical for students travelling from Chicago, Des Plaines and nearby northwest suburban communities. Free parking is available for students and visitors. Nearby roadways and public transportation routes also provide access to the campus.
Admissions office hours are currently listed as Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Campus tours can be arranged through the Aquarius Institute contact page.
What Makes the Aquarius MRI Pathway Different?
Aquarius combines MRI-specific classroom education, 1,000 clinical hours, evening classes and simulation-based practice in one 24-month program.
Important program features include:
MRI-Focused Education
The curriculum concentrates on MRI instead of treating it as a short addition to another imaging qualification.
Published Entry Requirements
Aquarius currently lists a minimum age of 18 and a high school diploma or GED among its basic admission requirements. Prior radiography certification and an associate degree are not listed as standard entry prerequisites on the current program page.
1,000 Hours of Clinical Training
Students complete supervised training at affiliated diagnostic imaging centers and healthcare facilities.
Evening Classroom Schedule
Aquarius currently publishes classes two evenings per week from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Students must confirm the schedule for their enrollment term with admissions.
MRI Simulation
Corsmed simulation allows students to practice image acquisition, patient positioning, scan parameters and MRI protocols in a controlled educational environment.
ARMRIT Preparation
The curriculum provides education designed to support the ARMRIT certification pathway after students complete the required academic and clinical components.
These features are especially relevant for applicants comparing direct-entry education with post-primary MRI certificates. Some Chicago-area certificate programs require applicants to hold an existing ARRT, NMTCB or other qualifying imaging credential before admission.
A separate guide covering [future cluster: Direct-Entry vs Post-Primary MRI Training in Chicago] will help prospective students compare these pathways in more detail.
What Subjects Are Covered in MRI Training?
The classroom curriculum contains six courses totalling 600 clock hours.
Course | Classroom hours |
Medical Terminology | 60 |
Anatomy and Physiology | 100 |
Patient Management | 60 |
MRI Safety Protocol Focus | 100 |
MRI Physics | 126 |
Cross-Sectional Anatomy | 154 |
Total | 600 |
Medical Terminology
Students learn the language used to describe body systems, medical conditions, procedures and patient records.
Anatomy and Physiology
Students study the structures and functions of the human body. This knowledge supports patient positioning and image evaluation.
Patient Management
Patient-management education covers communication, preparation, comfort, privacy and professional conduct.
MRI Safety
MRI safety covers patient screening, magnetic-field hazards, controlled access, implants, medical devices and emergency procedures.
MRI Physics
MRI physics explains magnetism, radio-frequency pulses, gradients, signal production and image formation.
Cross-Sectional Anatomy
Cross-sectional anatomy helps students identify structures in axial, sagittal and coronal images.
The current MRI course catalog provides the official curriculum and program publication.
How Does MRI Clinical Training Work?
Students complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical education at affiliated imaging centers and healthcare facilities.
Clinical training allows students to apply classroom knowledge in patient-care environments. Activities may include:
- Conducting patient safety screening.
- Preparing patients for MRI examinations.
- Positioning patients and equipment.
- Selecting appropriate coils.
- Following approved imaging protocols.
- Observing image acquisition.
- Supporting image-quality review.
- Recording clinical procedures.
- Communicating with supervising technologists.
Clinical assignments depend on student eligibility, facility schedules, program requirements and available clinical sites.
The future cluster page [MRI Clinical Training in Chicago: What to Expect During 1,000 Hours] should explain clinical scheduling, competencies, attendance and student responsibilities without duplicating this section.
Aquarius confirms that its MRI program includes 1,000 hours of supervised training at affiliated diagnostic imaging centers and healthcare facilities.
How Does Corsmed MRI Simulation Support Students?
Corsmed simulation lets students practice MRI scanning concepts before and during supervised clinical education.
The simulation platform recreates important parts of an MRI scanning workflow. Students can practise:
- Patient positioning.
- Protocol selection.
- Imaging-plane selection.
- Scan-parameter adjustment.
- Image acquisition.
- Image optimization.
- Clinical decision-making.
Simulation supports repetition. Students can review a procedure, receive instructor feedback and repeat the exercise without the pressure of a live patient examination.
Simulation does not replace required clinical education. It strengthens the connection between classroom theory and supervised patient-based training. Aquarius currently includes Corsmed high-fidelity simulation within its MRI curriculum.
The future supporting page [How MRI Simulation Prepares Students for Clinical Training] can cover this subject in greater depth.
Can Students Enter MRI Training Without Radiography Experience?
Aquarius currently does not list previous radiography certification as a standard admission requirement.
Published requirements begin with:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Holding a high school diploma or GED.
- Speaking with an admissions counselor.
- Providing a current professional résumé, when applicable.
This differs from post-primary MRI programs that require applicants to be registered radiographers, sonographers or nuclear medicine technologists.
For example, College of DuPage and South Suburban College publish advanced or post-primary admission requirements for already-qualified imaging professionals. Aquarius publishes a different entry pathway on its current MRI program page. (aquariusinstitute.com)
Students must still confirm individual eligibility with admissions. Employer requirements may also vary after graduation.
The planned cluster page [MRI Program Admission Requirements in Chicago] should provide a complete document checklist.
What Are the Clinical Readiness Requirements?
Students must satisfy health, insurance and safety requirements before beginning clinical assignments.
Aquarius currently lists the following requirements:
- Hepatitis B vaccination documentation.
- Student malpractice liability insurance.
- Healthcare-provider CPR certification.
- A clear two-step tuberculosis screening or chest X-ray verification.
- Functional abilities needed to perform clinical tasks safely.
Requirements may be updated by the institution or an assigned clinical facility. Students should review the clinical policies and confirm all deadlines before their clinical start date.
Does the Program Prepare Students for MRI Certification?
The program provides academic and clinical preparation for graduates who plan to pursue ARMRIT certification.
The American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists is an MRI-focused credentialing organization. It requires qualifying formal education, documented clinical experience and competency for certification eligibility.
Aquarius awards a Certificate of Completion after a student successfully completes the institution’s program requirements. ARMRIT separately evaluates certification applications and administers its examination.
Program completion does not automatically guarantee:
- Approval of a certification application.
- A passing examination score.
- State licensure.
- Employment.
- A specific salary.
Applicants should review current ARMRIT requirements directly and discuss their pathway with Aquarius admissions.
The future cluster page [ARMRIT vs ARRT MRI Certification in Illinois] should explain the difference between the two credentialing routes using only current official information.
How Much Does MRI Training Cost?
The current published total program cost is $27,650.
Cost item | Published amount |
Registration fee | $150 |
Books | $500 |
Tuition | $27,000 |
Total program cost | $27,650 |
Aquarius also currently publishes:
- A $4,300 down payment at registration.
- Monthly payments of $550.
- An internal payment structure without structural interest charges.
- Estimated external expenses of approximately $417.
External expenses may include scrubs, vaccinations, tuberculosis screening, CPR training and student liability insurance.
Tuition and payment terms can change. Students should obtain a written breakdown before signing an enrollment agreement. The Aquarius Institute enrollment policies explain current payment, cancellation and refund terms.
The supporting page [MRI Training Cost in Chicago] should provide a complete tuition explanation and comparison checklist.
What Is the Career Outlook for MRI Technologists?
MRI technologist employment is projected to grow 7% nationally from 2024 to 2034.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics MRI career profile reports a national median annual wage of $88,180 for MRI technologists in May 2024.
The same source reports:
- Approximately 44,100 MRI technologist jobs in 2024.
- Projected employment of approximately 47,200 in 2034.
- About 59% of MRI technologists working in hospitals.
- Additional employment in diagnostic laboratories, physician offices and outpatient care centers.
These figures are national data. They do not represent a guaranteed Chicago salary, employment result or starting wage. Compensation varies by certification, experience, employer, schedule and location. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
The cluster page [MRI Technologist Salary in Chicago and Illinois] should use current metropolitan and Illinois wage data when it is published.
How Should You Compare MRI Schools in Chicago?
Compare MRI schools by examining admission pathways, clinical hours, certification preparation, total cost, schedule and student support.
Ask each school these 7 questions:
- Does the program accept direct-entry students?
- How many classroom hours are included?
- How many supervised clinical hours are required?
- Which certification pathway does the curriculum support?
- Who coordinates clinical assignments?
- What is the total cost, including external expenses?
- Can the schedule fit your work and family responsibilities?
A short program is not automatically a better program. Some shorter certificates are designed for applicants who already hold radiography or related imaging credentials. Direct-entry programs may require more time because they include foundational anatomy, patient care, MRI physics, safety and clinical education.
Use the MRI Career Quiz to explore whether an MRI-focused healthcare pathway matches your interests.
How to Apply for MRI Training Near Chicago
The application process begins by requesting information and speaking with an admissions advisor.
Step 1: Review the Program
Read the MRI Technologist Program details and current catalog.
Step 2: Request Information
Submit the Request Information form or call (847) 296-8870.
Step 3: Meet With Admissions
Discuss eligibility, classroom schedules, clinical requirements, tuition and the certification pathway.
Step 4: Visit the Campus
Tour the Des Plaines location and ask to see the learning environment and available simulation resources.
Step 5: Review Written Documents
Read the catalog, enrollment agreement, payment terms, refund policy and clinical policies.
Step 6: Submit Required Documents
Provide the educational, identification and enrollment documents requested by admissions.
Aquarius describes an admissions process that begins with an information request and an individual meeting with an advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions About MRI Training in Chicago
Is Aquarius Institute located in Chicago?
The campus is in Des Plaines, Illinois, near Chicago and O’Hare International Airport. It is not located within Chicago city limits.
How long does MRI training take?
The current Aquarius MRI program takes 24 months and includes 600 classroom hours plus 1,000 supervised clinical hours.
Do I need to be an X-ray technologist first?
Aquarius does not currently list previous X-ray or radiography certification as a basic admission requirement. Applicants must confirm their individual eligibility with admissions.
Does the program include hands-on training?
Yes. The curriculum includes Corsmed simulation and 1,000 hours of supervised clinical education.
Are evening classes available?
Aquarius currently publishes an evening format with classes two nights per week from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Clinical schedules may differ.
Does completing the program make me ARMRIT certified?
No. Program completion and ARMRIT certification are separate achievements. Aquarius awards the completion certificate, while ARMRIT controls certification eligibility and examination requirements.
How much does the MRI program cost?
The current published total cost is $27,650, excluding estimated external expenses of approximately $417.
Is a payment plan available?
Aquarius currently publishes a $4,300 down payment and monthly payments of $550. Applicants should confirm the latest terms before enrollment.
Where do MRI technologists work?
MRI technologists work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, outpatient imaging centers and physician offices.
Can I tour the campus before applying?
Yes. Prospective students can contact admissions to arrange a campus tour.
Begin MRI Training in the Chicago Area
Aquarius Institute offers a 24-month MRI education pathway with 600 classroom hours, 1,000 supervised clinical hours and MRI simulation training.
The Des Plaines campus serves prospective students from Chicago and surrounding communities. Evening classes, published payment options and a structured clinical component provide clear information for students comparing MRI schools.
Review student experiences, learn more about Aquarius Institute or visit the Aquarius Institute homepage for current program announcements.
To discuss the next class:
Request MRI Program Information
Call: (847) 296-8870